Manny Pacquiao can beat Barrios via knockout - Peñalosa

Retired two-division champion Gerry Peñalosa believes Manny Pacquiao remains capable of scoring a knockout when he takes on WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Filipino boxing icon had set the world abuzz when news broke out that he would make a comeback at 46 years old. And while Peñalosa admitted that he is also worried for his friend, he nevertheless sees that Pacquiao still has the tools to become a world champion again.

"Manny will prepare for this and he will make sure he has the stamina to last for twelve rounds," Peñalosa said in an exclusive interview.

"If he hits Barrios, good night. Manny has power, the fight is for twelve rounds, he still has speed, and gloves are small. What if Manny hits him first? Boxing is over."

Pacquiao last saw action in 2021 when he dropped a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas. He only figured in a couple of exhibitions since that fateful night, raising concerns from both fans and industry insiders about his comeback.

For Peñalosa, Pacquiao has always been about taking risks in and out of the ring.

"Manny is willing to take risks. He is worth watching because he doesn't care as long as he hits his opponent. If he gets there first, then the fight might be over in one round," Peñalosa quipped.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News